The Devil Wore A Brown Suit novel Chapter 18

 6 p.m.

I hear an alarm. Is that how they call people to eat? There is a knock at my door. It’s Brooke.

“We are gathering early tonight. I do not know why. Are you ready?” she asks.

I gather myself quickly. She puts something in my pocket. She whispers “protection” I nod my head.

I put on a smile and follow her out the door. As we go down the steps I see a familiar face. It’s Camilla Dawn. I run to her.

“I have been so worried about you,” I tell her.

“I am fine. I came home to be with my family. I am sorry I did not tell you bye. I had to get home.” She responds.

She is not being honest. I smile. We continue to walk. Sarge comes up to her. She pats him on the head. I wish I could talk to her. She looks at me “Soon” she says as she walks ahead.

  We all arrive at dinner. The bell is still ringing loudly. This is ridiculous. There are so many people here. I wonder who all these people are. Brooke and Camilla stand on each side of me. They each grab my hand, Brooke on my right, Camilla on my left. They are trying to get into my head. I can feel them.

“Do not be afraid. You have to be strong.” They say at the same time.

They keep holding my hands. I remain calm. The crowd keeps getting larger. There is a small stage in front of us. There are many tables. People are rushing to put food on the tables.

 “We must join him on the stage,” Brooke says as she pulls me forward.

Camilla is behind me. They both still have my hands. We walk through the crowd. Everyone is looking at me. They know who I am. I can tell by the way they look at me. They all look so tired and defeated.

We make it to the stage. My brother is sitting in a chair with a microphone. He is wearing a brown suit and dark sunglasses. He looks old and tired himself.

“Come sister. Join us.” He says.

We are seated at the table. My brother looks at all the people in the crowd. “You may sit,” he says into the microphone. My brother is their leader. This is not good. This is going to be disastrous.

I am seated between Camilla and Brooke. The two of them are so close to me I cannot move.

“Am I ok?” I ask Brooke.

“Yes. Everything is perfect. Just do not panic.” She says.

Camilla nods to reassure me that this is normal. Daniel starts to speak to the crowd. He is speaking in a language I do not know. I am very confused.

 “Only a true believer can understand what he is saying. It is his language that God taught him. Only his followers know what he is saying.” Brooke tells me.

 I am not going to panic. I am going to just sit here and pretend he is brilliant.

I had no idea he was behind me. I stand up and smile at him. “Yes, brother,” I answer him. “I was just asking Brooke and Camilla if I could see the rest of this amazing place tomorrow. Brooke mentioned she had a school built. I am anxious to see what my new life will be like here with you and my children.”

He leans into me and whispers in my ear. “I am so happy you are here with me. I have missed you, my dear sweet sister.” It is almost sinister the way he spoke to me.

I pretend not to notice. I want him to think I am the obedient sister. I want him to think I am on his side. I want him to think that I will be here for him. I want him to think that I will raise my children here with him in this damn cult he has built.

“I have missed you too my brother,” I say as I lean in and kiss him on the check.

 I sit back down and continue to smile. I cannot wait to kill him.

          “So, tell me more about the bonfire,” I ask.

Camilla looks terrified. I wonder what in the hell he has done to her. “Be careful of your thoughts. He is very powerful. Not as powerful as you. I can feel the apple in you. When you let go you will be more powerful than your brother and your mother.” Brooke says to me.

She can see my worry for Camilla. “She’s fine. Stop worrying. You have to keep your emotions in check so your powers can grow. He was hard on her when she got her. He wanted her to prove she was with him. He can be very difficult. He expects complete loyalty from the fellowship.” She stops. He is looking at her. “The bonfire is a community gathering we do every night. We come together and pray for one another and reconnect with God.” She smiles at him.

She is good. He must think he has her right where he wants. Maybe I will let her kill him. She deserves it.

 “No. I don’t. I want the bitch that took the children.” She says as she looks me in the eye.

“Mind your thoughts Perdition.”